President of Hearst, Michael Clinton dishes on Travel Tips in “The Globetrotter Diaries”

Michael Clinton is the President and Marketing Director of Hearst Magazines, is a passionate traveler and photographer. After collecting hundreds of stamps in his passport, where is he headed next? His new title, “The Globetrotter Diaries: Tales, Tips and Tactics for Traveling the 7 Continents” offers insight for travelers of all types. From jet-setters to backpackers alike with tips from globetrotters such as Nancy Novogrod, Robbie Myers, Kate White, Pamela Fiori and a foreword by travel guru Peter Greenberg.

WHAT KIND OF TRAVELER ARE YOU?

I have both genes. I can be happy in a tent on a mountaintop in Bhutan and I can be happy in an Oberoi.

WHERE WAS YOUR LAST TRIP?

My last trip was to Kenya, South Africa to run a marathon. It was canceled on the morning of the race due to a terrible storm. This was certainly a big disappointment, but the South African people are so gracious that we found other ways to enjoy their beautiful country.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A TRIP?

I pack a bag and then take half of what I’ve packed out of the bag. I always have a travel kit ready and I always aim for carry-on.

WHERE HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE TRIP SO FAR?

How can I pick just one? However, I would have to put Antarctica in the top 5.

Michael Clinton makes it to Antartica

YOU HOLD A PILOT’S LICENSE. WHERE WOULD YOU FLY TO RIGHT NOW?

Santa Fe, New Mexico.

WHAT KEEPS YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT TRAVELING?

To learn about the cultures of other places is a great joy. How can you not be intrigued by how humans live, work, and play around the world?

WHAT MAKES A TRIP MEMORABLE FOR YOU?

A trip is memorable for me when there is an “Aha!” moment involved. Standing on the top of Kilimanjaro, waking up to a rainbow on Fiji, seeing the great icons of the world for the first time—the Great Wall of China, Christ’s birthplace in Bethlehem, Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal…the list goes on!

WHERE IN THE WORLD HAVE YOU BEEN HAPPIEST?

I’m always incredibly happy walking the streets of Paris.

ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO TRAVEL AS MUCH AS YOU HAVE?

All things are possible. Be focused on your goal to see the world. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop. Seize the moment and start planning today!

WHAT’S ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST FOR 2013?

I’ll be running a marathon in Mongolia in 2013, as part of my goal to run one on every continent. But I have another 30 destinations on my list from Papua New Guinea to Lebanon to Tibet. I will be back to Africa in 2013 to run in Tanzania and then to Mongolia. And in early 2014, back to Antarctica. I’m hoping that 7-on-7 will be realized in 2014.

WHAT MAKES “THE GLOBETROTTER DIARIES” DIFFERENT FROM YOUR OTHER BOOKS?

My other books were on photography. This is the first book I’ve written, compiled from my many diaries, letters, and emails to family and friends as I’ve traveled the world. It was a great trip down memory lane.

The Globetrotter Diaries: Tales, Tips, Tactics for Traveling the 7 Continents is Michael Clinton’s sixth book. His other books on his travels are Wanderlust, American Portraits, Global Snaps, Global Faces, and Global Remains.

Michael Clinton is President and Publishing Director for Hearst Magazines. His responsibilities include oversight of fifteen publications, including Harper’s Bazaar, Marie-Claire, O: The Oprah Magazine, Seventeen and Esquire. Clinton has served on the boards of the Volunteer of America and The Starlight Foundation. Currently, the author is on the acquisitions committee of the International Center of Photography in New York and is an advisor to Friends Without Borders. He lives in New York City.

Peter Greenberg is America’s most recognized, honored and respected front-line travel news journalist. He is Travel Editor for CBS News, appearing on CBS This Morning, CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley, and CBS Sunday Morning, among other broadcast platforms.

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